When can I feed my chicks something other than grower feed?

[kwaple001]

I've never had chickens before, so this may seem like a silly question...My chicks are only 8 days old and growing fine, but I'm curious when I can give them food other than their grower feed. I have a bag of grit and I have some squash that I thought I'd let them peck at but then thought maybe they were too young. Also what things should I make certain they never eat...even as pullets and hens. Thanks!

 

[Flock Master64]

I wait month or two before I give them anything other then grower feed. No reasons behind, just how I operate

 

[SIMZ]

My broody hens have their chick eating all kinds of things from day 1. I tend to not give my brooder chicks much more than scrambled eggs or chopped apples as treats, but mostly just because I don't think to do it until they're older. If you do give them something besides grower feed then make sure they also have chick grit available. Also, just give them small amounts and as a treat because they need their base nutrition to come from the grower feed.